Historically dismissed as "Fool's Gold," pyrite ( FeS2cap F e cap S sub 2
: High-end collectors pay premiums for rare formations, such as the perfect cubes from Navajún, Spain, or the "pyrite suns" found in coal mines. who buys pyrite
: Large-scale mining operations buy pyrite-rich sites because the mineral is a known "pathfinder" for gold. In some "invisible gold" deposits, microscopic gold is actually trapped inside the pyrite lattice, making the pyrite itself a valuable gold ore. Historically dismissed as "Fool's Gold," pyrite ( FeS2cap
: Artisans buy rough pyrite to cut into cabochons or beads, valued for their metallic luster and "antique" gold aesthetic. Collectors and Metaphysical Practitioners : Artisans buy rough pyrite to cut into
: Innovative battery manufacturers use pyrite as a cathode material in certain lithium-ion battery configurations. Mining and Exploration Companies
A significant secondary market exists for high-quality specimens and ritual tools.
: Real mineral marcasite is too brittle for wear, so nearly all "marcasite" jewelry sold today is actually made from small, faceted pieces of pyrite.